Gathering Device

ABSTRACT

The gathering device is used for gathering and securing a flexible fabric and includes a generally planar main body, and at least one slotted opening having at least two sides. The main body is a resilient material having flexibility and a relatively high friction coefficient. The sides of the slotted opening are very close to one another when the gathering device is not in use. The slotted opening(s) may include a zig-zag pattern or a single peak (which can be sharp or curved) which provides a tooth or a plurality of “teeth”. Where two slotted openings are employed, the fabric is preferably pulled one direction through the first slotted opening and an opposite direction through the other slotted opening; if the openings include teeth, the resiliency of the main body creates opposing frictional forces on the material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to an apparatus for cinching or gathering material and, more particularly, for gathering and affixing a semi-elastic flexible fabric making up part or some of a garment.

BACKGROUND

It is known in the art to use buttons, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, and zippers to close gaps in clothing. Further, drawstring ties are often used to gather and tighten an opening. Shirts, particularly those made from fabrics having semi-elastic characteristics, often are made oversized or are not otherwise fitted. Sometimes, for example, a shirt can include an amount of material such that tucking it into pants, skirts or shorts is not possible (or is very difficult). In other cases, tucking such shirts into lower-body garments creates unsightly under-clothing bumps and can make the wearer uncomfortable.

A number of years ago, a one-piece cinching item was made to assist the wearer in gathering fabric, securing it in a certain place, and cinching the garment. This item was usually made of a hard plastic or wood, and included two openings separated by a divider. These openings included a perimeter and were made large enough to allow the fabric to be threaded through. The fabric was threaded into the first opening, over the divider and back through the second, or was threaded a second time over the divider. The idea was that the semi-elastic fabric of the garment threaded in this manner would create enough tension with the one-piece cinching item and, perhaps, friction between two portions of the fabric so that the fabric stayed in place. This was used to gather and cinch items such as oversized T-shirts at the side or center of the waist.

These previous cinching items often were not strong enough and broke when the necessary amount of tension or friction was applied. In addition, due to the hard plastic material and the size of the openings, the fabric often easily slid through the openings and was difficult to secure. Since those earlier versions, oversized T-shirt wearers have resorted to safety pins, cutting and then tying strips in the shirt, or securing portions of the shirt with an elastic band. While these securing means sometimes work, they can be unsightly or difficult to apply, and may actually damage the shirt. Some of these options also pose hazards to the wearer or to others if employed while the wearer is engaged in sports or other high levels of activity.

The prior art fails to address the need for a simpler and more effective way to gather and secure fabric that is attractive, less prone to breakage, does not require physical alteration of the garment, and secures the fabric—not by utilizing tension or friction of the fabric against itself, but rather by utilizing tension and friction between the fabric and the device.

Embodiments of the invention differ from the above-referenced technologies in that these prior devices employed the fabric as the main means of securing it, whereas embodiments of the invention provide the means to create the necessary friction between the device and the fabric to secure the flexible fabric. Additionally, embodiments of the invention can be used to gather and secure other items such as, for example, slipped over ribbon for a belt, or over ribbon for flip-flop use, “or, perhaps, to cinch a gift bag, or with scarf, and the like.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used, in isolation, as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. At a high level, embodiments of the invention relate to a gathering device for gathering and securing a flexible fabric. According to embodiments of the invention, the gathering device could be employed to secure a variety of flexible fabrics used in any number of garments. Additionally. In still further implementations, the gathering device could slipped over ribbon and secured to form a fastened belt, or over ribbon for flip-flop decorative use, or to secure a scarf or to cinch a gift bag.

Various embodiments of the invention include a generally planar main body, and at least one slotted opening having at least two sides. In an embodiment, the main body includes a resilient material having flexibility and a relatively high friction coefficient (e.g., vinyl). In various embodiments, the main body can be about ⅛ inch thick and the sides of the slotted opening are either in contact with each other, or nearly in contact with each other, when the gathering device is not in use.

The gathering device can be made of any color and a variety of sizes. The slotted opening(s) can be of the same or different shapes, depending upon the desired design of the gathering devices. Examples could include a gathering device in the shape of a pair of lips, a slotted opening following the contour of a top lip and a second slotted opening following the contour of a bottom lip. Another example could be a round shape, decorated like a soccerball or softball. Here, the slotted openings might be in a zig-zag pattern having one or more peaks. The zig zag or peak acts as a tooth, or a plurality of “teeth,” because the material of the main body is resilient, urging the teeth to return to the original position.

According to various embodiments, where two slotted openings are employed, the material is preferably pulled one direction through the first slotted opening and then an opposite direction through the other slotted opening; if the slotted openings include teeth, the resiliency of the material of the main body (and the teeth) creates opposing frictional forces. The opposing frictional forces keep the material in place. The resiliency of the main body material provides a gathering device that is flexible and relatively soft so that it is far less likely to break and also less likely to pose a hazard to the wearer during activity.

A first illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for gathering and securing a portion of material. The device includes a main body having a front side, a back side, and a perimeter. According to aspects of the first illustrative embodiment, a slotted opening is disposed within the main body. In various other aspects of the first illustrative embodiment, one or more additional slotted openings can be disposed within the main body as well.

A second illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for gathering and securing a portion of material. According to aspects of the second illustrative embodiment, the device includes a main body having a front side, a back side, and a perimeter. A first slotted opening and a second slotted opening are disposed within the main body. A third illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for gathering and securing a portion of material. The third illustrative device includes a main body having a front side, a back side, and a perimeter. The third illustrative device also includes a first slotted opening disposed within the main body. The first slotted opening has a curved shape including a trough disposed between two peaks. The third illustrative device also includes a second slotted opening disposed within the main body. The second slotted opening includes a peak disposed between two troughs and is essentially a mirror-image of the first slotted opening.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following description, drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an illustrative gathering device in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an illustrative gathering device in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3A is perspective view of an illustrative gathering device in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative slotted opening in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3C is another cross-sectional side view of an illustrative slotted opening in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4A depicts a method of securing fabric using an illustrative gathering device in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4B depicts another method of securing fabric using an illustrative gathering device in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a number of illustrative gathering devices having alternative designs in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of an illustrative gathering device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features, or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-4, there is depicted an illustrative gathering device 10. As illustrated, the gathering device 10 includes a main body 12 having a front side 14, a back side 16, a perimeter 18, and a depth 20. The dimensions of the gathering device 10 can vary and can, in embodiments, be configured for particular types of applications. For example, in an embodiment, the main body 12 can have a diameter 21 of approximately 2-3 inches and a depth 20 of approximately ⅛ inches. It should be understood that, in various embodiments, any other desired diameter, depth, and/or other dimensions can be employed, and that all of such configurations are considered to be within the ambit of the invention.

The gathering device 10 further includes at least one slotted opening 22 defined within the main body 12 and extending through the main body 12, between the front side 14 and the back side 16. According to various embodiments of the invention, the main body 12 can include any number of different types of material suitable for providing a strong, yet flexible, body 12. In embodiments, the main body 12 includes a resilient, flexible material having a high coefficient of friction such as, for example, vinyl, nylon, or the like. Additionally, according to embodiments, the main body 12 can have any desired level of opacity, any desired color, and the like. For instance, in an embodiment, the main body 12 is made of translucent vinyl. In some embodiments, the main body 12 can be composed of a glow-in-the-dark material (or, alternatively, covered with a glow-in-the-dark film), a scented material, or the like.

According to embodiments of the invention, the main body can be configured according to any desired shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the main body 12 can have a substantially circular shape, defined by the perimeter 18. In other embodiments, the main body 12 can have a shape, defined by the perimeter 18, that is substantially rectangular (e.g., see the illustrative gathering device 56 in FIG. 5), square, triangular, or the like. Ornamental designs can also be used. For example, in embodiments, the main body can be configured in the shape of a sun, a star, a flower, Mickey Mouse ears, bunny ears, or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the main body 12 has a generally flat configuration, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3, while in other embodiments, the main body 12 can be contoured (e.g., see the illustrative gathering device 56 in FIG. 5).

Turning briefly to FIG. 5, a number of illustrative gathering devices 50, 52, 54, and 56, are depicted, each having a different design. It should be understood that any number of different types of designs and configurations can be implemented in accordance with embodiments of the invention, and that the examples illustrated and described herein are merely examples of the various alternative configurations possible. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the illustrative gathering device 50 (which is shown in a front view) has a rounded main body 50 a that has a substantially circular shape. Disposed at least in the front side 50 b of the main body 50 a are a first slotted opening 50 c and a second slotted opening 50 d. As illustrated, the first slotted opening 50 c has a zig-zag shape, somewhat like a “W” on its side. The second slotted opening 50 d is positioned below the first slotted opening 50 c to give the appearance of part of a “smiley” face, further defined by a set of decorative eyes 50 e. In embodiments, the eyes 50 e could be drawn, painted, or otherwise applied to the surface of the front side 50 b of the gathering device 50, while, in other embodiments, the eyes 50 e can be rounded openings defined through the main body 50 a.

As another example, the illustrative gathering device 52 (which is shown in a front view) is configured to appear somewhat like a tennis ball. As illustrated, the gathering device 52 includes a main body 52 a that is substantially circular in shape. The main body includes a front side 52 b having two curved slotted openings 52 c and 52 d disposed therein that are configured to give the appearance of the lines on a tennis ball. Of course, it will be appreciated by individuals having skill in the relevant arts that any number of different types of coloring schemes, decorations, and adornments can be used to produce any number of different appearances and effects. All of these are considered to be within the ambit of the invention. For example, in FIG. 5, the illustrative gathering device 52 may have a green-yellow color trimmed by white outlines of the slotted openings 52 c and 52 d, to approximate the color of a standard tennis ball.

As another example, the illustrative gathering device 54 (which is shown in a front view) is configured to appear somewhat like a broken heart. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the gathering device 54 includes a main body 54 a that is shaped substantially like a heart. The main body includes a front side 54 b having a slotted opening 54 c disposed therein that is configured to give the appearance of a “break” in the heart. That is, for example, as shown, the slotted opening 54 c has a longer zig-zag shape over one portion of the main body 52 a. As discussed above, the main body 54 a can be colored to further improve the aesthetic design. For example, in embodiments, the main body 54 a can be colored red, while the slotted opening 54 c can be outlined in black, to contrast with the red colored main body 54 a. According to various embodiments, any number of other types of designs can be printed on an illustrative gathering device 50, 52, 54, 56. The designs can be printed on the front side, the back side, and or both sides, and in embodiments, the perimeter as well. In embodiments, the designs can be ornamental designs, logos, messages, colors, and the like. According to embodiments, the designs are printed on the device using a process that holds the designs on the device such that the designs do not fade or break up over time.

As yet another example, the illustrative gathering device 56 (which is shown in a front perspective view) includes a contoured main body 58 having a front side 58 a, a back side 58 b, and a perimeter 58 c (which, in FIG. 5, has a substantially rectangular shape, although any other desired shape could be used instead). According to various possible implementations, the contoured main body 58 can be configured, for example, to roughly follow the contour of a wearer's hip or waist area, such that the back side 58 b of the main body 58 rests relatively flush against the wearer's body. In other implementations, the contoured main body 58 can be configured, for example, to wrap around a knot made from flexible fabric, to roughly follow the contour of a window frame (e.g., in an implementation where the gathering device 58 is used to gather and secure a window covering), to produce some desired aesthetic presentation, or the like.

Returning to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 4, the gathering device 10 preferably includes a first slotted opening 22 and a second slotted opening 24. In other embodiments, the gathering device 10 can include any number slotted openings. According to some embodiments, the gathering device 10 can also include an opening (such as, e.g., a rounded opening) that can be used, for example, to hang the device 10 on a hook or nail either for storage or, for example, to use the device to gather and secure a window covering along the side of the window frame. In other embodiments, the device 10 includes a pair of wider, rectangular openings (in addition to the slotted openings 22 and 24) that are configured to receive a belt such that the device 10 can be hung from a wearers belt and used, for instance, to secure ribbon, cinch a gift bag, or the like.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the slotted openings 22, 24 can be configured in any number of different shapes and the gathering device 10 can include two or more slotted openings 22, 24 having the same shape or different shapes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first slotted opening 22 is linear and the second slotted opening 24 includes a zig-zag shape, defined by a number of teeth 26, which aid in the securement of fabric 11. In other embodiments, one or more of the slotted openings 22, 24 can be curved, angled, or any other desired shape.

The securing functionality of the gathering device 10 of the present invention can be enhanced if a slotted opening 24 has a shape that is, at least partially, nonlinear. For instance, in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A, the second slotted opening 24 comprises a zig-zag shape having a plurality of peaks 26. Each of the plurality of peaks 26 functions as a tooth 26 to assist in securing and gathering the flexible fabric 11, which is passed through the two openings 22 and 24, as depicted, for example, in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the peaks 26 can be sharply defined (as shown, for example, in FIG. 4), while in other embodiments, the peaks 26 can be curved (as shown, for example, in FIG. 6).

Turning briefly to FIG. 6, an illustrative gathering device 60 is depicted in a front view. The illustrative gathering device 60 includes a main body 62. The main body 62 includes a front side 64 having a first slotted opening 66 and a second slotted opening 68 disposed therein. As illustrated, the first slotted opening includes two curved peaks 70 and a curved trough 72, which is disposed between the two peaks 70, defining a shape somewhat similar to a rounded capital “M.” The second slotted opening 68 is disposed below the first slotted opening 66 and is configured to be a mirror-image of the first slotted opening 66. That is, the second slotted opening 68 includes tow curved troughs 74 and a curved peak 76, which is disposed between the two troughs 74, defining a shape somewhat similar to a rounded capital “W.” In this manner, the slotted openings 66 and 68 provide for enhanced fabric-securing functionality without damaging, creasing, or wrinkling the fabric.

Returning now to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the configuration of the slotted openings 22 and 24 will be discussed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the first slotted opening 22 comprises a first side 30 a and a second side 30 b and is preferably a slit (that is, the slotted opening 22 is created without material being removed from the main body 12 between the first side 30 a and the second side 30 b). In this manner, the first side 30 a and second side 30 b remain closely positioned to better gather and secure the flexible fabric. Similarly, the second slotted opening 24 includes a first side 30 c and a second side 30 d that are closely positioned (e.g., the second slotted opening 24 also is a slit). In some embodiments, some material can be removed to create the slotted openings 22 and 24, so long as the first 30 a, 30 c and second 30 b, 30 d sides are positioned close enough together, respectively, to effectively secure fabric 11 that is passed therethrough.

Any number of different manners of constructing illustrative gathering devices such as those described herein can be implemented in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, slotted openings can include varying configurations, depending upon the manner of construction utilized. For example, in some embodiments, the slotted openings 22 and 24 can be defined by sides 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, and 30 d that have the same depth 20 as the main body 12. In other embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the slotted openings 22 and 24 can be defined by sides 34 a, 34 b, 36 a, and 36 b that are not characterized by the same depth 20 as the main body.

For example, FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional side view of a slotted opening 34. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the slotted opening 34 is defined by a first side 34 a and a second side 34 b. The first side 34 a and the second side 34 b each include a tapered portion 34 c and 34 d, respectively. As illustrated, the tapered portions 34 c and 34 d each taper inwardly (that is, the sides 34 a and 34 b get narrower toward the slotted opening 34) such that the depth 34 e of the main body 34 f is shallower near the slotted opening 34 than in other portions of the main body 34 f. A similar configuration achieved without tapering the sides 34 a and 34 b is shown in FIG. 3C. FIG. 3C depicts a cross-sectional side view of a slotted opening 36. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the slotted opening 36 is defined by a first side 36 a and a second side 36 b. Thin inserts 36 c and 36 d extend into the opening 36 and provide edges of the opening having a depth 36 e that is shallower than that of the rest of the main body 36 f. In embodiments, the thin inserts 36 c and 36 d can be individual and distinct inserts 36 c and 36 d disposed within the main body 36 f. In other embodiments, for example, the thin inserts 36 c and 36 d can be two portions of a single insert 36 c/36 d disposed within the main body 36 f, whereby the opening 36 can be constructed by cutting a slit in the insert 36 c/36 d. Any number of additional configurations can be implemented in accordance with embodiments of the invention, as well.

With reference to FIG. 4A, in particular, the method of use of the gathering device 10 is described. A portion of material 11 is threaded through a slotted opening 22. According to various embodiments, the material 11 can include flexible fabric, ribbon, or the like. Due to the resiliency, flexibility, and coefficient of friction of the material of the main body 12, and the proximity of the first side 30 and second side 32 of the slotted opening 22, if enough material is threaded through the opening 22 it will be gathered and secured. More preferably, however, the gathering device 10 includes two slotted openings 22 and 24 and the portion of flexible fabric 11 is threaded through the first slotted opening 22 in a first direction and then the second slotted opening 24 in a second direction. Alternatively, the portion of flexible fabric 11 could be threaded through the first slotted opening 22 and the second slotted opening 24 in the same direction; this could be accomplished by threading the fabric 11 through the first slotted opening 22 from back to front, drawing the portion of material 11 around to the back and then threading it through the second slotted opening 24, also back to front.

With reference to FIG. 4B, the illustrative gathering device 10 can be used to secure two separate portions 11 and 11 a of material. Although there are several alternative ways to accomplish this, the simplest is to thread each of the portions 11 and 11 a through a different slotted opening 22, 24, in a single direction. Or, each of the portions 11 and 11 a could be threaded back to front through different slotted openings 22 and 24, then threaded front to back through a different slotted opening 22 or 24. Of course, an alternative that would also work is to thread each portion 11 and 11 a through a slotted opening 22, 24 (same or different), then draw the material portions 11 and 11 a around to the other side of the device 10 and thread each portion 11 and 11 a through a slotted opening 22, 24 (same or different) in the same direction as that portion 11 or 11 a was threaded the first time. Any number of other methods of threading material through slotted openings on an illustrative gathering device described herein can be utilized and are considered to be within the ambit of embodiments of the invention.

The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 

1. A device for gathering and securing a portion of material, said device comprising: a main body having a front side, a back side, and a perimeter; and a slotted opening disposed within the main body.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an additional slotted opening disposed within the main body.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a rounded opening disposed within the main body.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the slotted opening is linear and wherein the additional slotted opening is linear.
 5. The device of claim 2, wherein the slotted opening is linear and wherein the additional slotted opening is at least partially non-linear.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the additional slotted opening includes a zig-zag configuration having at least one tooth.
 7. The device of claim 2, wherein the slotted opening has a curved shape including a trough disposed between two peaks and wherein the additional slotted opening includes a peak disposed between two troughs.
 8. A device for gathering and securing a portion of material, said device comprising: a main body having a front side, a back side, and a perimeter; a first slotted opening disposed within the main body; and a second slotted opening disposed within the main body.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the main body includes translucent vinyl.
 10. A device for gathering and securing a portion of material, the device comprising: a main body having a front side, a back side, and a perimeter; a first slotted opening disposed within the main body, wherein the first slotted opening has a curved shape including a trough disposed between two peaks; and a second slotted opening disposed within the main body, wherein the second slotted opening includes a peak disposed between two troughs.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein the main body comprises flexible material. 